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Tuesday, October 17, 2006
Is there a link between American and Muslim values?
The Atlanta Journal-Constitution
American values and Islamic faith co-exist amicably in the personal lives of thousands of American Muslims against a backdrop of misunderstanding and discord between Islam and much of America.
They exist in the Rahman family of Gwinnett.
Ahmadur Rahman, his wife Rumana Afrin and son Raiyan, 9, are Muslim immigrants to this county.
Rahman, who is originally from Bangladesh, first visited the United States in the early 1990’s as a participant in an international Lions Club convention, held in New York City. In 1993, he and his wife returned to New York City as immigrants. Their son was born there.
The Rahmans relocated to Gwinnett two years ago to be near family who had also migrated to the area. They have contributed a lot of good to Gwinnett in the short time that they have been here.
Rahman, 40, holds a degree in economics and is a Microsoft Certified Systems engineer. He works a part-time and a full-time job in the hotel food and beverage industry.
In addition to holding down two jobs, he is the founder of Northeast Atlantans for Democracy. It helps Muslim and non-Muslim immigrants alike learn about American politics and encourage them to be involved as voters, lobbyists, and candidates.
His wife Rumana has two masters degrees, one in geography and the other in education. Rumana could choose other better paying jobs, but instead she has decided to enrich the lives of young children by teaching pre-school.
When Raiyan grows up he plans to become a physician like his paternal grandfather.
The Rahmans’ are so firmly rooted in their faith that they’re not afraid to expose their son to other beliefs. He attends Killian Hill Christian School in Lilburn. The family likes the school’s strong academic program and they want their son to understand and respect the predominant religion of the society they live in.
Despite the tragedy of Sept. 11, Islam is the fastest growing religion in the United States.
Today, there are an estimated two to four million American Muslims and more than 1,200 mosques. Sixty-two percent of these mosques have been founded since 1980, according to the U.S. Department of State website.
The prosperity and diversity of Gwinnett that attracts many newcomers to our county is also inspiring thousands of other Muslim families from around the world to make Gwinnett their home. There are now several mosques in Gwinnett, including Norcross and Duluth.
The Rahmans’ lives exemplify the best of American and Islamic values. Gwinnett is fortunate that the family has chosen to make their home here.
Is there a link between American and Muslim values? Can Christianity and Islam ever peaceably co-exist?
THE RAHMAN FAMILY
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